Did you know that according to the Maryland Horse Council and the American Horse Council, there are more horses per square mile (7.5) in Maryland than in any other state in the country, and over a third of Maryland households contain at least one horse-enthusiast? Additionally, the horse industry has a $2.9 billion annual impact on the Maryland economy. The racing sector in particular supports nearly 8,900 direct jobs and adds $341 million in direct value to the Maryland economy, which drives a further $215 million in added value to the economy and nearly 2,100 jobs from indirect and induced effects. Horse farms even constitute over 25% of all agricultural land in Maryland, and 88,000 equine acres are preserved in perpetuity as farmland.
With that in mind, as well as us being in the middle of horse racing season, we are so excited to be adding two incredible steeplechase books to our Special Collections- Gentlemen Up by William B. Streett / Illustrated by Paul Brown and Jay Trump: A Steeplechasing Saga by Peter Winants.
Gentlemen Up is an illustrated book published by The Derrydale Press “to encourage outstanding amateur sportsmen to make their experiences available to their contemporaries, as well as to preserve them in book form for those who come after.” Born in Harford County, Maryland, William Streett was a well-known amateur steeplechase rider and trainer of race horses who performed in nearly every hurdle race in the country. He was the son of John Rush Streett, a well-known trainer in whose honor the Streett Memorial race is run each year in Maryland. The book details his experiences running in hurdle races in Maryland and Virginia over the course of one season, with dynamic illustrations in both black and white and full color by American illustrator Paul Brown depicting highlights of each race. A must-read for anyone interested in not only Steeplechasing, but the deep roots it holds in Maryland and Virginia.
Jay Trump: A Steeplechasing Saga is a chronicle of the rise of Jay Trump, one of only two horses to win both the Maryland Hunt Cup and the Grand National steeplechase race. Photographs and first-hand accounts of Jay Trump’s successes and failures throughout his life are compiled, starting at conception and ending at his retirement. The book also covers the life of Jay Trump’s owner Mary C. Stephenson and his jockey, Crompton “Tommy” Smith. A real life National Velvet story that captivated the nation, this book reinforces the belief that this horse will be remembered forever in the annals of history.
Looking for more information, books, and articles on steeplechase racing, horse racing, or other equestrian sports? Search our collections on Catalyst from the comfort of your computer or mobile device!